When diana arrived on May 22, 1980, it launched a new chapter in Diana Ross’s legendary career—fueled by confidence, creativity, and pure dancefloor magic. With production by Nile Rodgers and Bernard Edwards of Chic, the album radiates flair, empowerment, and groove from start to finish. From drag club inspiration to royal approval, here are five fabulous facts you might not know about this Motown masterpiece.
1. “I’m Coming Out” was inspired by drag queens and a late-night epiphany.
At a New York club called The Gilded Grape, Nile Rodgers saw several drag queens dressed as Diana Ross. He immediately called Bernard Edwards and said, “Let’s write a song called ‘I’m Coming Out.’” The track became a joyful anthem for self-expression and identity. For Ross, it also reflected a powerful moment in her life as she stepped confidently into independence.
2. Diana wore supermodel Gia Carangi’s jeans on the album cover.
The iconic cover photo, shot by Francesco Scavullo, captures Ross in a laid-back yet stylish pose. She borrowed a pair of jeans from fashion legend Gia Carangi, adding a cool, casual edge to the album’s visual. The handwritten lowercase “diana” completed the fresh new vibe that perfectly matched the music within.
3. Ross took creative control and remixed the entire album.
After previewing the original version, Diana worked with Motown’s Russ Terrana to remix every track. She adjusted tempos, re-recorded vocals, and reshaped the sound into something bolder and more focused. The new version became the best-selling studio album of her career and gave her full ownership of her artistic direction.
4. “Upside Down” came straight from a heart-to-heart.
Rodgers and Edwards spent days interviewing Ross before writing any songs. When she said she wanted to turn her life “upside down” and “have fun again,” they ran with it. That conversation turned into a chart-topping hit that moved people worldwide—and gave Ross one of the defining songs of her career.
5. A future king calls it one of his favorite songs.
In 2025, King Charles III named “Upside Down” as one of his all-time favorite tracks during an Apple Music program. He shared that it was “absolutely impossible not to get up and dance when it was played.” Even royalty finds joy in the rhythm and voice of diana.
With Chic’s brilliance, Ross’s vision, and a legacy of joy, diana shines as a radiant statement of reinvention. Every track, every detail, and every beat carries the energy of an artist fully stepping into her power.